Is there anything called a dream holiday? Well, pessimists would definitely say no, but optimists would scour the globe hoping for that El Dorado. And, while doing so, they would definitely stop at this Adriatic nation to enjoy its superb unspoiled scenery, bathe in its unpolluted waters and enjoy the healthy range of locally sourced and naturally produced food. Welcome to Croatia! |
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ZAGREB: This historic city lies on the crossroads of important routes between the Adriatic coast and central Europe. Travelers are known to describe Zagreb as a "chaotic mix of Italian, Austrian and Balkan influences, a mishmash of medieval and modern." The population of 800, 000 has its own rhythm, which is marked unhurried pace. It has got charming markets, shopping facilities, as well as choice of various small and larger restaurants and hotels. The city is a combination of Baroque-influenced old city of Kaptol and Gradec and new town of Donji grad. It has a very happening city centre, which is surrounded by the Medvednica hill in the north and Sava river in the south. The city is small enough to cover on foot, and most locations are near the city centre. |
DUBROVNIK: A UNESCO designated heritage city, Dubrovnik was built in the 13th century and remains almost untouched to the present day. The city is located at the southern end of Croatia and because of its favorable geographical position it is popular among tourists from other European countries. The city also boasts of its own airport as well as ferry terminal. From the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is the first port protected by islands on the maritime route to the West and it has the fastest connection to the hinterland via the Neretva Valley.
OPATIJA: One of the most popular resorts in Croatia, Opatija has the longest tradition of catering to tourists on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. The town, a popular summer and climatic resort, is located at the foot of Mt Ucka, situated at the eastern coast of Istria in the Rijeka Bay. Mt Ucka protects the coastal region of Opatija, which is primarily made of limestone, from the north and northwest. The mountain holds the moist air and clouds driven by the westerly winds. This means that Opatija has lower rainfall and more hours of sunshine than Rijeka. Because of its location and climatic conditions, Opatija is called the Nice of the Adriatic.
OSIJEK: This largest city in eastern Croatia and the economic and cultural centre of Slavonia goes back to Neolithic period. The first precise mention of the name of this port-town can be found in Papal list of tithes from 1332, with a precise mention of Osijek parish. The important places of interest in Osijek are Trg Ante Starcevica or the main square and Trg Svetog Roka, a large boulevard along the Drava, as well as the pedestrian bridge that crosses to Baranja (another Croatian region).
There is Zoological garden in Osijek too, located along the Drava River. Being on the Drava river, Osijek has a lot of opportunities for water sports during the summer time, as well as opportunities for hunting and angling in Kopacki Rit nature preserve park. There is also fishing and hunting societies.
RIJEKA: This culturally rich city located right in the heart of the very beautiful Kvarner Gulf, one of the closest points in the Adriatic Sea from central and West Europe. It is located in the northern part of the Croatian Adriatic, bordered by the mainland and the Istrian peninsula. Because of its nearness to the European mainland, the weather is mild and hence it has turned out to be a popular tourist destination. The city is dotted with great architectural marvels and has some very interesting places to go such as the Rijeka Natural History Museum. Plus there is plenty of scope for water sports, making it an ideal getaway for adventure lovers.
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